Italian police bust stolen art ring

Police say they have busted a ring of art dealers that was trying to sell off stolen classical masterpieces for 200 million euros ($273 million).

Police first became suspicious when they questioned a man taking notes outside antique stores in central Rome, police said in a statement.

The man was found to have numerous pictures of stolen classical art objects on him.

Several raids by police later uncovered "a large number of ancient objects like amphoras, including one depicting mythological creatures, and a lantern, believed to be of very high value," the statement said.

Three people have been charged for handling stolen goods in the inquiry.